You’ve sent out your job applications, interviewed and are now sitting patiently by your phone, waiting for the “You’re hired!” call from a potential employer. Most people can relate to this scenario, including myself. However, instead of waiting to be contacted by an interviewer concerning your interview and or job application, I have found that it is much better to be proactive and make the first move. The time period immediately following a job interview is crucial and can make or break your employment fate. Here are some proper ways to follow up on an interview or job application.

As I stated before, do not wait for the employer to contact you first. Immediately following an interview, compose a short thank you letter stating that you appreciate them taking the time out to speak with you about the position. This is also a time when you can mention or highlight any additional experience or accomplishments you may have failed to discuss during the initial interview. Aside from sending a thank you letter, follow up with a phone call about 5-6 days later reiterating your interest in the job. Inquire when their hiring decision will take place and once again thank them for taking you into consideration.

There are many employers that ask specifically for candidates not to call concerning application status and or interview status. If that is the case, ask for a date in which they think a hiring decision will be reached. If the date has come and gone, wait a couple days then give the company a call and inquire about your application status. Always be professional and courteous while stating that you had not heard from them yet and the date for a hiring decision had passed.

The most important thing to remember when properly following up on an interview and or job application is to never sound desperate. It is fine to follow up with a call or email concerning a particular job, but when you begin calling regularly, it becomes a problem. Make sure the employer knows that you’re enthusiastic and eager to work for their company but do not make it seem as if you are willing to take any position they offer you. Employers can tell when a potential employee is desperate and it will not bode well for you in time of hiring decision.

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE

Written by

Stephanie Becerra is a Chicago native. She spent a couple of years working in social services before she realized that her passion was in writing. She is now writing full-time. When she has free time she enjoys reading and also listening to records on her dusty record player.